if need be
idiom
: if something becomes necessary
You can always call me at home if need be.
We'll leave without them if need be.
Examples of if need be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ruiz Massieu said the food agency is working on getting additional assets like helicopters from Colombia to pre-position, if need be, in Haiti to respond to a storm hit.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Trump has endorsed opening fire on Russian aircraft if need be, the FT reports.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Start by taking a look at your own communication style and making adjustments if need be.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 28 Aug. 2025
Still, financing options, if need be, include a short-term commercial paper, increased hotel taxes, or a general obligation bond.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if need be
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Trump has endorsed opening fire on Russian aircraft if need be, the FT reports.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Start by taking a look at your own communication style and making adjustments if need be.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 28 Aug. 2025
Still, financing options, if need be, include a short-term commercial paper, increased hotel taxes, or a general obligation bond.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if need be
Cite this Entry
“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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